Glasgow-based developer Force-9 Energy and partner EDF have appealed against the refusal by Highland council for a wind farm near Loch Ness.
Council planners refused an application for the 13 turbine Cnoc an Eas development, about six miles from Drumnadrochit, because of the “significantly detrimental visual impact”.
But now applicant Force 9 Energy and EDF Renewables (part of the same French-owned group that owns and operates the Scottish nuclear power stations) have appealed the decision to the Scottish Government.
A spokesman for STAG – the Stop Turbines At Glenurquhart pressure group – commented: “Given the extent of local opposition and the refusal by Highland Council, we had hoped that the developer would have done the decent thing and have pulled out, but no, they have decided to carry on.
“There has been a lot of response especially in view of the recent news regarding the fatal injuries to an Osprey at the Moy wind farm which was apparently caused by a collision with one of their wind turbines.
“Moy Windfarm is about 20 miles from the RSPB reserve at Boat of Garten. When you consider Loch Meikle is just over one mile from the proposed Cnoc an Eas Windfarm, you begin to realise how vulnerable our regular visitor would be should there ever be a windfarm in this area.”
There were more than 280 objections to the EDF-Force-9 Energy plan to build the 415-ft turbine towers in Glenurquhart, above Loch Meikle, which included the Forestry Commission and Historic Environment Scotland.
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